Aussie medicine mistakes
March 26, 2012
FIFTY-seven percent of Australians
made a mistake with their medicines
over the past 12 months, according
to new research from NPS.
The study looked at responses
from 1,250 Australians and
coincided with the launch of NPS’
Be Medicinewise Week 2012.
According to the survey results,
44% of respondents said that they
had forgotten to take a dose, whilst
one in four admitted they had taken
a medication without food when
directed to take it with food.
Other mistakes confessed by
participants included taking a
higher or lower dose than
prescribed or accidentally taking
the wrong medicine.
“It’s likely we will all make a
mistake with our medicines at
some point,” said NPS Clinical
Adviser, Dr Danielle Stowasser.
“Most of the time these mistakes
will cause little harm but
sometimes the consequences can
be serious, or even deadly.
“During Be Medicinewise Week
2012 we are urging all Australians
to stop, think and learn about their
medicines to help avoid mishaps,”
she added.
In addition to the release of the
report, NPS has also launched new
resources and information for
consumers, including the
‘Medicinewise Challenge’- a five
question quiz that looks at essential
medicine information, with
participants entered into a draw to
win an iPad.
See www.nps.org.au/
bemedicinewise for more info.
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